Insider Look at the Cowboy Capital

Stephenville, Texas, also known as the “Cowboy Capital of the World”, is a thriving little town located 70 miles southwest of Dallas/Fort Worth. Many farmers and ranchers call Stephenville home and have helped to make agriculture its leading industry. The Tarleton State University’s Tarleton Texans, and the large amount of professional cowboys and cowgirls here have given the town its nickname. If you’re you find yourself driving through cowboy country, there are a few places that you just can’t pass up the chance to visit.

Tarleton State University

Stephenville is a growing community largely because of Tarleton State University. One walk around the Texan campus and it is easy to see why the students refer to it as “the best kept secret in Texas.” Be careful not to walk on the grass though! You just might get tackled by the one-of-a-kind Purple Poo that take school spirit very seriously.

Tarleton has made a name for itself as a leading agriculture school in Texas as well as the place to be for college rodeo. With seven National Team Championship Titles and over 20 Individual National Titles, it’s easy to see how TSU contributes to the town’s well-deserved nickname.

Dublin Rodeo Heritage Museum

Although the Dublin Rodeo Heritage Museum is located in the next town over, the years of rodeo and cowboy history they have documented for this area in general is amazing. Most of it centers around when Everett Colborn came to Texas in 1937 and started the Dublin Rodeo years later. You will also see names like Gene Autry, Dale Evans, Roy Rogers, Jim Shoulder and Stephenville’s own Martha Wright of /W Barrel Horses and how they all play their own special part in Cowboy Capital history.

Cowboy Capital of the World PRCA Rodeo

Rodeo Heritage Week in Stephenville is a BIG deal. To name a few of the annual events, it is comprised of a rodeo queen contest, team roping, a parade, a western art exhibit, The Show: Dinner, Fashion & Entertainment, a Rodeo Legends Reception, a Cowboy Gathering, PRCA Steer Roping, and of course the Cowboy Capital of the World PRCA Rodeo. First nominated in 2015 as one of the Top Five Medium Size Rodeos, and then again in 2016, the town has their heart set on brining home the honor for 2017.

Saddle Rags, The Western Store is a family-owned and operated store that has been in business for over 20 years. With the help of their two sons and the rotation of a few select college students to take under their wings, James and Sheri Drury have been successfully outfitting Erath County since just after they left college themselves. Their store combines staple names such as Wrangler, Cinch, Ariat, and Tony Lama along with other brands that offer customization. The Drury’s take pride in putting their own personal touches on Anderson Bean, Rios of Mercedes, and Black Jack boots, as well as custom J. Forks jewelry and Kurtmen purses that you won’t find anywhere else.